Jamaica Plain’s parklet could cost as much as $25,000, according to the Boston Transportation Department (BTD).
Each of the four parklets in the City’s pilot program is expected to cost “anywhere between $15,000 and $25,000,” for a total as high as $100,000, BTD spokesperson Tracey Ganiatsos told the Gazette. That will include the design and review process, fabrication and installation, she said.
The information was finally released to the Gazette after a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was filed with BTD, following months of requests for more information.
A parklet is a small, semi-permanent public space that resembles a deck, created from two to three
parking spaces. It may include tables and chairs, bicycle parking or planters, among other options.
Jamaica Plain is slated to get one of Boston’s first four parklets on Centre Street, across from Wyman Street. It is expected to be in place by July. Hyde Square’s parklet will take up two parking spaces.
While the City is paying for the parklet’s design and construction, maintenance and daily care will fall under the purview of community partners. In JP’s case, that will be restaurant Tacos El Charro and Sonia’s Bridal & Quinceañera.
If the pilot parklets are well-received, any future parklets will be wholly financed by the city’s community partners. Budget was not discussed during public meetings, hence the Gazette’s FOIA request.
The two design firms were chosen from five applicants last October through a competitive bidding process, Ganiatsos said.
The project has not had widespread public input, with two public meetings held during off-hours, though the City and Hyde/Jackson Square Main Streets performed localized outreach with flyers and door-to-door visits.